Frances Crook says ‘thank you’

This is my last day as chief executive of the Howard League. I have been in post for 35 years, equal to a previous head of the organisation and a few years more than others – we go for longevity.

I have written previous blogs about what we have achieved together during my tenure so I will not go over that again. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all my wonderful colleagues, the many people who have worked here and contributed their skills and enthusiasm, and thank you to all the trustees who have given their time and support.

I am in awe of the careers of people who worked here and have gone on to be lawyers and campaigners and world changers. The charity is fortunate in having a core of staff who have given their professional lives to the cause of penal reform and they have flourished and made the organisation impactful as their expertise has grown year on year and is second to none. 

There are many challenges for the charity to face, not least the expanding prison system and a culture of punishment.

The country is not at ease with itself and this plays out in wanting to blame people who are different or annoying. The place of the Howard League in the national discourse is critically important. We need to press for a smaller criminal justice system that deals with its professionals, victims and people who come into its clutches humanely, proportionately and effectively. 

I am leaving an organisation that is staffed by experts, is well funded and well regarded. I pass this on to my successor and I am confident that she and the team will do good things. 

I am not really retiring as such as I am moving on to do other things outside the criminal justice field, so I am calling it a renaissance not a retirement. I hope to keep in touch with many of the people I have worked with over the years and I will watch and support the wonderful work of the Howard League.

Comments

• Trevor says:

  24 Nov 2021 at 11:33 am

  I want to give my heartfelt thanks to Frances Crook
  for devoting 38 years of her time to the cause of penal reform.
  I’m sure that all she has done, inspired thought, leading to small but much needed change in the way prisons are run and the appalling way that inmates are treated.
  Thank you for caring enough to haven given your time and energy for the benefit of prison inmates.

  Best wishes to you and all that you do in the future.

  Trevor

  Reply
• Rona Epstein says:

  4 Nov 2021 at 8:36 pm

  Enjoy new pastures and new endeavours, Frances!
  We will all wait to hear of your efforts now in other areas, and wish you well in your future. Thank you for all you have done in the past 38 years to make Britain a better place
  with my ver best wishes
  Rona

  Reply